When reporters called Cat and asked for an appointment, Cat suggested a meeting at the Hanoi University of Science and Technology.

Teacher Vu Van Cat

The teacher at a district high school was there on the weekend to work on his doctoral dissertation on the properties of hybrid nanomaterials with metal and carbon nanoparticles for application in environmental sensors.

Cat said after teaching at the school, he takes a bus to Hanoi to carry out experiments for his research.

To date, the teacher has had six articles published in Vietnamese and foreign journals, including two released at national conferences, two at international conferences, and two published in Materials Today Communications.

“International journals set stricter requirements. They want research works with both academic and practical features,” he said.

When teaching students physics, he feels he needs to research and explore the roots of issues to help students understand better, and he always raises questions if the knowledge can be applied in more spheres of modern life.

“The desire to refresh knowledge and bring new breath of fresh air to my lectures to attract students gives me motivation to continue my research," said Cat.

During his teaching life, Cat has had 20 initiatives which have been shared with colleagues to improve their teaching quality, including four initiatives at the provincial level.

He believes that the major task of general school teaching is providing basic knowledge to students. However, with the rapid development of science and technology today, carrying out scientific research is a must for him.

He thinks that in modern times, teachers cannot apply the same teaching method they have been using for years. Instead, they need to improve themselves to be able to fall in line with students.

“Only when you can fall in line with students will you be able to teach them. If teachers are not innovative and don’t have new knowledge, or creative teaching methods, they will discourage students,” he said.

Cat admitted that in order to pursue his passion for scientific research, he has had to sacrifice many things, including time for himself and for family.

He has had to spend non-school hours on reading materials and carrying out experiments. On weekends or days off, he has travelled hundreds of kilometers to Hanoi to continue his research. However, he feels that he is lucky and happy because his wife and two children understand his passion and support him. 

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